Technology, key to success for the visually challenged

At the workshop held by Bangalore University on 'Awareness and Personality Development for the Visually Challenged', technology proved to be the greatest ray of hope.

At the day-long workshop, experts spoke and demonstrated on personality development, leadership qualities and assistive devices and tools.

Inaugurating the workshop, BU vice-chancellor Venugopal KR said: "Everyone in the world has a degree of disability. The visually impaired students are more skilled, creative and talented when compared to the others. The advancement of technology will definitely find a solution for your vision impairment. I think this will happen very soon."

Professor I R N Gouder, who spoke on assistive devices and tools, noted that the advent of software is making life easier for those with a vision challenge. So much so that it is not uncommon to see visually challenged people hold top positions in many companies.

"With the exposure to technology, visually challenged students are capable of many things. The device and tools are making you compete with the able-bodied today. More advancement would obviate the disability," he added.

Gautam Agarwal, general secretary, National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and Manjunath, manager Canara Bank and youth secretary NFB, addressed the gathering on the issues and challenges faced by visually impaired students.